Pennsylvania Wing - May 2006

8/14/2019 Pennsylvania Wing - May 2006

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KEYSTONE WING SLIPPennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol

News Magazine

May 2006 - Vol. 23

FEATURE STORY

THE SEARCH FOR

CARLYSGRANDFATHER,(See story on page 1)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Cap Day at the CapitolConclusion of story - ONE OF OUR OWN

Cadet Earns His Wings

Lebanon Squadron, Hosts Canadian Air Cadets


2/12

To: The PAWG membership,

Once again you have demonstrated what a powerful force the Pennsylvania Wing is in the Civil Air

Patrol. During the recent mission for Mr. David Weiss of the Congressional Flying Club, you came through in

force. Supporting the Maryland Wing by opening a ground base in St Thomas, Pennsylvania with over 150

ground search members participating in this week long operation. Captain Bill Kees and Major Bret Stemrich

probably responded the furthest distance. Joining ground teams from West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland a

force of approximately 250 went on the hunt under the direction of Lieutenant Colonels; Richard Runyan, Tom

Jensen, and Majors, Herb Cahalen and Jeff Riley. Our own Captain Ogdon brought new technology to bear on

the situation, using cell phone tower information he developed the high area of probability that lead to the find.

The air operation was impressive; I arrived late Saturday morning to a flight line of over 35 CAP air-

craft. Greeted by the friendly face of Captain Chris Comly of Squadron 907, on flight line duty, the PAWG

presence was felt immediately. During the week, hundreds of CAP aircraft flew into the Hagerstown, MD air-

field. CAP operated the GA-8 with the archer system, for the first time in the North East Region, on a mission

Only days after it's arrival the new system was pressed into service. Lieutenant Colonel Robert Meinert,

Captain Arnie Andresen and Captain Bruce Russell aided in air operations and mission management during the

week long mission. The CAP effort was aided by the Maryland State Police aviation division and the ground

troops were aided by Maryland State Troopers.

The two adult sons of Mr. Weiss made the find on Sunday afternoon concluding the most intense search

since the loss of Mr. Scott Crossfeild in the Georgia Wing. Unfortunately Mr. Weiss did not survive the initial

impact of the crash. The heavily wooded area was impossible to see from the air and barely visible from the

ground. Major Stemrich the Group IV Commander said "this was some of the most difficult terrain he had eversearched". (He had searched the top of the "Punch Bowl" with Group IV personnel early in the operation.)

This mission was by no means flawless but, the PAWG effort was superior. From the youngest ground

team member to the most experienced senior pilots, your efforts can only be described as "Herculean."

I would also be remiss if I did not CONGRATULATE our newest Spaatz Cadet; Cadet Colonel Erin

Nelson of Captain Bob Frosts Squadron, (the Golden Triangle Composite Squadron 603). The first PAWG

Spaatz award recipient in the last 2 years. C/Col Nelson received the big check for a $1,000 scholarship for

education after graduation from High School.

Congratulations PAWG you have demonstrated what you are made of once again!

M. ALLEN APPLEBAUM, Colonel, CAP

Commander

"Service before Self"


3/12

Searching for Carlys Grandfather(Story as reported by CAP Press Releases)

Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA - April 27, 2006 - the Pennsylvania WingCivil Air, sent ground teams and air crews to join in on extensive searching for an over

due airplane in the area surrounding a cell phone tower in St. Thomas, Pa.

The search area is based on a suggestion from Verizon, because the cell phone belong-

ng to the pilot of the missing aircraft is believed to be in that area.

CAP aircraft will be operating in the air today over St. Thomas, PA., and the ground

eams will be continuing ground searching in the same area.

The search, which has been ongoing throughout since Tuesday evening, April 25, is being

conducted with aircrews and ground teams from CAP's Maryland and Pennsylvania

Wings. Virginia Wing has also now joined in on the search.

The air search was halted around 9:00 PM due to loss of daylight but was scheduled

o resume searching this morning.

Ground teams have conducted interviews of several potential witnesses, who called in

with information. Ground team members will be lodged overnight at the LetterkennyArmy Depot in Chambersburg, Pa. The ground teams were expected to begin their search

again around 7:00 A.M. Major Herbert Cahalen and Lt Col Richard Runyan have been pleased with the number

CAP volunteers that have joined the ground search teams. "We have at least 100 members report yesterday and an

er 100 volunteers from several states are expected to join us today", said Major Cahalen, Pennsylvania's Ground

Search Team Director. "It is a good solid effort with Pennsylvania and the neighboring states," said Colonel M. Al

Applebaum, Commander of the Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol. "I am impressed by the numbers of volunteer

from our Wing," continued Colonel Applebaum.

The search was activated by the U.S. Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley Air Force Base after con

act was lost with David K. Weiss, 72, of Bethesda Md., who took off shortly after noon on Tuesday, April 25 from

Gaithersburg Airport in Maryland, and was due back at 2:30 p.m.

He was flying a blue and white Cessna 172, operated by the Congressional Flying Club. Last contact with the pwas when the aircraft was leaving the Washington Air Defense Identification Zone at 12:17 P.M. on April 15.

Weiss was seen conducting a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft by himself, so it is believed that he was the only p

son on board.

Weiss, a member of the CAP, was not flying a CAP airplane or participating in a CAP activity.

Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Reports Find on Missing Aircraft

But Saddened by Loss of Life.

Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA - May 1, 2006 - members of the Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol w

part of a multi state effort in the search for a missing aircraft. Missing since Tuesday, April 25, 2006, pilot and CAmember, 72 year old David K.Weiss, was found deceased in the missing aircraft around 12:45 p.m., yesterday in an

area called the "punch bowl" just north of the Pennsylvania state line.

Mission planners designed a search area focused on all faces of the "punch bowl" mountain formation in Maryl

and Pennsylvania. The body of David Weiss was discovered in the wreckage of the Cessna he was piloting. The

pilot's sons, Steve and Mark Weiss, located the crash site and were joined by the CAP's Ground Team Alpha alread

he top of the mountain and descending to search the steep western slopes of "two-top mountain" leading into the

punch bowl.

(story continued on page 2)

Pilot and CAP member

David K. Weiss, of

Bethesda, Maryland


4/12

2

Searching for Carlys Grandfather continued"Thanks to all the CAP personnel from the many wings that participated in this search. It was a taxing challe

said Lt. Col. Kevin Redman, CAP's incident commander for the mission. "Right now, please direct your thoughts

prayers to the family", he said.

The pilot's cell phone was tracked by a Verizon tower in the area of St. Thomas. FAA radar plot indicated it

where he was flying, and witnesses had reported seeing or hearing something consistent with an airplane crash. took off shortly after noon on April 25 from Gaithersburg Airport in Maryland, and was due back at 2:30 p.m. H

was flying a blue and white Cessna 172, operated by the Congressional Flying Club. Last contact with the pilot w

when the aircraft was leaving the Washington Air Defense Identification Zone at 12:17 p.m.

CAP used the Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyper spectral Enhanced Recon (ARCHER) system in its newest a

-- the Gippsland GA8 Airvan -- which has the capability to identify specific objects or substances when light tha

reflected from an object matches a spectral signature that is identified as an anomaly. A Maryland State Police

Helicopter also flew in support of the search and rescue mission, coordinating assistance from a search and rescu

mounted team provided by Trail Riders of Today and a ground team from the Maryland Department of Natural

Resources.

In addition to Pennsylvania Wing members, CAP members from its wings in Maryland, Delaware, New Jerse

Virginia, West Virginia, National Capital, and North Carolina participated in the mission, as well as units from CNorth East Region and the Congressional Squadron. Participants in the search received meals from the Washing

County Chapter of the American Red Cross and lodging from the Maugansville-Goodwill Fire Co.

Editors note: I would like to thank the following for their contributions to this story:

Article information/background - Captain Steven Solomon, CAP, Maryland Wing Public Affairs.

Photography (cover and page 2) - James J. Colgon, III, TFO, CAP

And to the Weiss family, on behalf of the members of the Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol, we send our heartfe

sympathy for the loss of your loved one and regret that we could not have done more. We wish to thank Carly,

Davids granddaughter, for being so brave and for supporting the searchers. Her desire in wanting to help in so

way, touched this editor. (See photo below.) We respectfully send our final salute to CAP member, David Weiss.

Message posted at mission command post.Given to the volunteers by David Weiss grandaughter, Carley.

OPEN

HOUSE

AND

FREE

BBQ

TUESDAY MAY 3OTHTime: 7:30 P.M.

FORMER BLUE ANGE

PILOT

CAPTAIN FRED STANKOVI

GUEST SPEAKE

THE QUAKERTOWN SQUADRON O

CIVIL AIR PATROL INVITE EVERTO BE THEIR GUEST

AT A SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE

COME LEARN MORE ABOUT THCIVIL AIR PATROL AND HEAR O

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER

SQUADRON 904 CAP HANGAR

MILFORD SQUARE PIKEQUAKERTOWN AIRPORT

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

215-538-0555


5/12

ANNOUNCEMENTS 3

REGIONAL CADET LEADERSHIP SCHOOL

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP

JUNE 17-24

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING EXCEPTED

COST IS

STUDENTS $175 STAFF $150

APPLICATION PACKETS INCLUDE

CAP Form 31 CLS application - (2 copies)

(please omit page 2)

CAP Form 60 Emergency Notification (2 copies)

Ft. Indiantown GAP Hold Harmless Agreement

PA Wing Medical Emergency Parental Consent Form

Deadline is MAY 31 2006

Send application and check made payable to;

"PA Wing Civil Air Patrol."

PA Wing Civil Air Patrol

Attn: CLS

Building 3-108, Fort Indiantown GAP

Annville Pa 17003

or

Captain Kim Makins

716 2nd Ave

Royersford Pa 19468

Any questions please feel free to call me at 610-792-0956 or emailme at [email protected] or on the web at

PAWG.CAP.GOV

Cadet Leadership School

It is a requirement that cadets complete the school prior to

serving on staff at other PA Wing schools such as Encampment.

All cadets who wish to attend CLS must have first completed

an Encampment.

Yes it's that time of year forMid Atlantic Air

Museum WWII weekend, healed on the grounds o

Reading Airport, Reading Pa. Step back in time to

1944, and witness P-51 Mustangs flying over head

along with a Fairchild-24, markings defining it as a

CAP coastal patrol airplane. It's one of the most

memorable history lessons you will ever experience

This year our encampment will be located along

side Civil Defense (in the American Home Front

area) look for our GP small tent with a pried CAP

flag flying under the U S stars & stripes. Joining o

CAP garrison, we are excited to have Roger Thiel a

renowned historian on CAP Coastal Patrol and CAP

National Curator, Lt. Col. William Schell.

Mark these dates on your calendar, June 2nd, 3r

& 4th, 2006! For more information, check the web

site at www.maam.org/maamwwii.html

Looking forward to see you their!

George Brizek, CAP S/M

Colonel Applebaum,Thank you for the very nice letter inviting me and family members to the 50th anniversary of the Hawk

Mountain Training Center. For sure my husband and I will be able to attend and I feel several of dad's grandchi

dren. I had rotator cuff surgery a month ago and am still not able to write so I am answering via email.

The article and celebration are very exciting to us since the CAP meant so much to dad and it's continuing

growth is marvelous.

Also, thank you for mailing hard copies of the very well written article and picture of dad. I passed copies on

to my sister and brother who thoroughly enjoyed reading the article and having the picture which we had never

seen. Eagerly looking forward to meeting you and attending the celebration.

Sincerely,

Louise Neuweiler Furst


6/12

4

CAP DAY AT THE CAPITOLTWENTY-ONE CAP MEMBERS SPEND A DAY

VISITING PENNSYLVANIAS LEGISLATORS

Members in Attendance for CAP Day

in the Capitol:

Major Richard Gray presents Representative,

(Major), Richard Geist with his Certificate of

Membership for the PA Legislative Squadron

Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol Cadets

pose in front of the display they assembled

in the main Rotunda of the Capitol.

Lt Col Robert L. Meinert and twenty other

members of the Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air

Patrol spent the 25th of April visiting the

Legislators in the Capitol.

Lt Col Meinert presented members of the

Legislative Squadron their personal membership

certificate and spoke to the group on Civil Air

Patrols gratitude for their continued support. With

the aid of cadets, he assembled everyone in front

of the stairs in the main Rotunda where he called

upon those representatives that attended, to step

forward and receive a Certificate ofCommendation for their support.

A special presentation was made to

Representative Richard Keller, which included a

replica of a 1940s Civil Air Patrol Piper Cub.

The representatives were also invited to a

luncheon that the PA Wing provided.

CADETS

Edwin Forteza

Tom Stern

Ryan Edwards

Kevin Meinert

Emily Rentschler

Patrick Roach

Jeannie Tso

Donald Floyd

Michael Doyle

John To

Andrew Gracey

Mike Bilz

Michael Williams

Sterling Coerna

SENIOR MEMBERS

Maj Reginald McDonald

1Lt Dale Williams

Capt Robert Frost

1Lt Linda Irwin

Major Richard Gray

Lt Col Robert Meinert &

Capt Harold Roach(Capt Roach is employed

as a guard for the House

of Representatives and

offered directions to the

offices of certain

Legislators that the mem-

bers wanted to visit.)

Story and photos by 1Lt Linda A. Irwin, Editor


7/12

5

CAP DAY AT THE CAPITOL

A special presentation was made to

Representative Richard Keller, which included a

replica of a 1940s Civil Air Patrol Piper Cub,

by Pennsylvania Wings Executive Director,Lt Col Robert Meinert.

Lt Col Robert Meinert presents Representative,

(Major), Ronald Marisco with a Certificate of

Commendation for his support of the Civil Air Patrol.

CAP Day was planned for weeks, choosing April

25, 2006, to be the day for the CAP visitation. Itwas a session day, so all members of the General

Assembly were expected to be in Harrisburg.

Activities for the day included setting up a CAP

display and meeting and greeting all those that

passed by; handing them CAP literature, pens, pen-

cils and copies of the Wing Slip. A luncheon was

prepared and all Legislators that were greeted as

well as the Keystone Legislative Squadron, were

invited to have lunch with the cadets.

During the luncheon, Senator (Lt Col) Robert

Robbins, spent time visiting with the cadets. He

asked them where they attended school, what grade

they were in and what goals they plan to pursue

after graduation. He spoke to them in length and

shared valuable career information. He thanked

them for serving the Commonwealth and expressed

how proud he was of them.

MANNING THE CAP DISPLAY AND VISITING WITH THE

LEGISLATORS, CREATES A BUSY DAY FOR MEMBERS

Senator Robbins also interviewed the Cadets

and Senior Member, Captain Robert Frost for his

Public Television show. With the camera rolling,

he went about and interviewed every cadet that

was present at that time.

Captain Robert Frost and Major Reginald

McDonald escorted cadets to visit with

Legislators and many of them spent quite a deal

of time talking with the Cadets about the CAPProgram. Assisting and escorting as well, was

1Lt Dale Williams.

It was hoped that the Cadets would be able to

recognize the former Speaker of the House,

Representative Matthew Ryan, but with the ses-

sion going on hot and heavy, he was unable to

join CAP, but plans are in the works to visit with

him in the near future.


8/12

EYES ON SAFETY6

MATING SEASON?1. Reference PAWG Staff Meeting last month - we were shown pictures of a birds nest found under the cow

ing of a CAP A/C. This was a potentially dangerous situation and required maintenance personnel to have it

removed.

2. This is the mating and nesting season for many birds, rodents, squirrels, and etc. While cowl plugs may n

entirely prevent contamination, it can certainly make itmore difficult for some pest creatures. You are reminded

to always install provided Cowl Plugs and Pitot Covers

when the A/C is un-attended. If your A/C is NOT

equipped with plugs, call Harold Aaron immediately for a

replacement. These are standard equipment on ALL CAP

AIRCRAFT.

3. Here are some tips to spot nesting materials:

A. Always give the A/C a thorough preflight looking

into all access holes in the cowling and tail sections

(always carry a small flashlight and maybe a small

inspection mirror to make the job more thorough).B. Examine the area around the aircraft for signs of

nesting material

directly under and around the A/C.

C. Listen carefully for movement or chirping sounds

from un-welcome guests.

- Lt Col Ray Whetstine, Director of Safety PAWG

74 Thousand Emergency Room Visits Caused

by Lawn CuttingApr. 21, 2006 - In today'sHealth Journal, it's lawn cutting season, and believe it or not, that means more trto the emergency room. The study of 9-years of data, published in theAnnals of

Emergency Medicine, found that lawn mower injuries were cause for an average of about

74-thousand emergency room visits each year. The number one reason? Flying debris from

under the mower hitting a body part or entering an eye. For older adults, it was also the

over-strain of mowing along with slipping or falling down while pushing the mower. So, if

you want to stay out of those crowded emergency rooms, use safety goggles, wear protec-

tive gloves, and don't mow your grass when it's wet. (Credit; WKBW Buffalo, NY)

- Lt Col. Joseph Pelletier, CAP, PAWG Ass't Safety Officer

THERE WERE NO COWL PLUGS INSTALLED

IN THIS AIRCRAFT!

Middle School Students Visit Space Day At Penn State

Middle School students participated in this weekend's seventh annual Space Day at Penn State

University. "Space Day is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium in partnership with the

Colleges of Agricultural Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Health and

Human Development, and the Eberly College of Science.

A mix of exhibits, interactive activities and presentations, Space Day is an opportunity to let the mind

wander into unknown realms in galaxies far, far away or experience a birds' eye view of our own planet."


9/12

LOOKING BACK - PA WING ARCHIVES

ONE OF OUR OWN, continued

Colonel Neuweiler was presented with many awards during his

tenure many of which included ribbons and should have worn, did

not wear any on his uniform. He chose not to. He once told me but

I cannot exactly recall, but it had to do with earning them undercombat conditions for which they were reserved. It was some kind

of personal thing with him.

Over the course of his tenure he entertained a number of local,

national, Government and service dignitaries which included the

infamous General Carl Spaatz. In 1955, he flew to Washington

along with several other CAP members making President

Eisenhower a member in the Pennsylvania Wing. Again another

first and similar to what we do today on a State and local level,

except in his case it was the President of the United States. Are you

surprised? In many ways he was a pathfinder for CAP but most of

all a visionary. It is ironic that CAP today has come full circle in its

mission that is similar in scope when CAP was initially formed, the

mission of Homeland Security in which we are involved today, 65 years later. There is so much more that can be

about Colonel Neuweiler and it would take a couple of newsletters to tell the entire story. If the book is published

the 65th Anniversary Edition of CAP next year, hopefully there should be some photographs of his activities with

book and you can get a good idea as to the level of involvement and type man he was. His picture accompanying

article gives you a small depiction of a well disciplined and professional individual.

Colonel Neuweiler served as Wing Commander up until 1969. His departure as Wing Commander was a storm

his CAP career. Those of us who where there the night he was to be honored for his outstanding and distinguishe

career in CAP, turned out to be the end of his stewardship and long reign as the Pennsylvania Wing Commandeme it was a stunning event and those in the Wing that experienced it, felt it as well. Neuweiler did not stay for the

event and left not to be heard from again. He developed cancer some time before this event and this was probably

factor in his behavior compounded by the fact the bankruptcy proceedings were closing the brewery which didn't

for a particularly good time in his life. His departure from an organization which he developed into one of the be

wings in CAP which he loved so much was untimely. Many of us felt there should have been more consideration

discretion in the manner and timing of this particular event.

.

Colonel Neuweiler retired to his farm in Pike County Pennsylvania where he eventually passed away in 1975.

time of his death he was a far cry from the man he was in stature, physically and financially. If anyone is a CAP

is he. In a letter I received prior to his passing, he answered a lot questions that I had, having challenged him on

issues and decisions he made while he was the Wing Commander which I felt needed to be cleared up only for msonal curiosity. He did. All I can say was he was tough. He always did what he had to do and just pressed on. H

an advocate of "full speed ahead and damned the torpedoes". Without that kind of attitude at that most formative

in our Wings history, we wouldn't be the Wing we are today. And, how did the Wing get there? His answer with w

he left me was a good piece of advice and that was, "the formula for failure is to try and please everybody". I am

ing that bit of advice on to you just as he passed it on to me, because it's true!

(Part three of a three part story by, Colonel Paul R. Kopczynski, Pa. Wing Historian. Parts one and two can

be found in the March and April issues of the Pennsylvania Wing Keystone Wing Slip.)

My thanks to Richard Ludwig, Herb Cahalen and Tom Jensen for filling in the blanks.


10/12

SQUADRON NEWS8

CADET MOSS EARNS

HIS WINGS

"Cadet Nate Moss (361311) soloed in

N99467 at Deck airport on Friday evening.

In attendance were many family and

friends. Nate performed 2 touch-and-goesfollowed by a full-stop landing. Waiting to

greet him were his parents, grandparents,

brothers, sisters, and friends. Also waiting

for him was his instructor Maj Bruce

Russell (Hq Group 2). Maj Russell con-

gratulated Cadet Moss, addressed the

assembly, and awarded Nate his CAP Solo

Wings."

Cadet Moss is a member of the Jesse Jones

Composite Squadron, 304, (Lancaster AP)

.

CONGRATULATIONS CADET MOSS!

203 HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND

Squadron 203, the Hazelton Compo

Squadron held a Change of Comma

within the Cadet status during a cerem

conducted by 203 Squadron Comman

Captain Dave Wilson.

From left to right; Captain Dave Wil

Cadet C/MSgt Theresa Hildenbrand, Gu

Bearer and C/ 1Lt Jeremy Zanolini,

incoming Cadet Commander.

CONGRATS TO CADET COM

MANDER JEREMY ZANOLIN

307 HOSTS ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS

Civil Air Patrol Lebanon Squadron 307 had the distinction and honor o

hosting approximately fifty members of the 734th Royal Canadian Air Cad

Squadron, based at Alliston, Ontario, on Wednesday March 15th, at theLebanon V.F.W. Post # 23.

Cadets and senior members from both squadrons enjoyed the cama-

raderie of being together, and exchanged items of their respective uniform

a gesture of good will. Topics of discussion during this social affair includ

both squadron's roles in serving their communities, along with similarities

there Cadet Aerospace and Leadership Programs.

In another friendly gesture of good will, Lebanon Mayor Bob Anspa

presented the Canadians with the key to the city of Lebanon, and a

Pennsylvania State Flag was presented on behalf of State Representative

Mauree Gingrich.The 734th Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron came together with C

Air Patrol Squadron 307 while staying at Fort Indiantown Gap during thei

tour of the USA which included the Gettysburg Battlefield and an overnig

stay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown at Patriots Point, North

Carolina.

- contributed by Cadet Major Thomas Carr

Left: Cadet

Rentschler

poses with

Canadian AirCadets.

Right: Mayor

Anspach pres-

ents key to

the city of

Lebanon

GROUP 4

CADET OF THE QUARTER

It is my pleasure to announce that C/2nd

Lt Adam Jones, of Bangor Slate

Composite Squadron 807, has been chosen

as the Northeast Pennsylvania Group 4

Cadet of the First Quarter, 2006.

The Group 4 Cadet of the Quarter is

nominated by their Squadron Commanders

through a "nameless" biography which isthen submitted to the Group Cadet

Advisory Council who then selects the

award recipient. The four awarded Cadets

throughout the year will then compete for

the Group Cadet of the Year.

Congratulations Cadet Jones on your

fine work not only in CAP, but in the com-

munity as well. You are a credit unto us.

Semper Vigilans,

Maj Bret Stemrich, Group Commander

PENNSYLVANIA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL ENCAMPMENT

JULY 22-29, 2006

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, ANNVILLE, PA 17003


11/12

HAWK MOUNTAIN RANGER PROGRAM CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE(Part 2 of a 3 part story by, Major Anne Gibbons)

HISTORY OF THE RANGER PROGRAM

The program began in 1953, when a group of volunteers responded to the need to create a cohesive training program for ground suppor

air search missions. Through their efforts and dedication, a program was born. The earliest days of the PAWG Ranger School were not inPennsylvania at all. It began with USAF Para- rescue and survival instructors training volunteers at Westover AFB, Massachusetts. Becau

the student's dedication, motivation, and enthusiasm, the instructors called them Rangers. The name "Ranger" has remained ever since.

The driving forces for the development of this ground search and rescue training were the then PAWG Commander, Col. John Neuweil

and Chaplain, Col. John Weaver. Col. Neuweiler was an entrepreneur who had several very successful businesses. Col. Weaver, who beca

the first Hawk Mountain Summer Survival School commander, was not the stereotypical quiet, humble preacher.

These men realized that search teams needed to live and train in the field. Col. Neuweiler owned a large tract of land that he would allo

the CAP to use to conduct their training. It wasn't much good for anything else since it was in a pine swamp, in the middle of a box cany

in the middle of "Nowhere", PA. There was a dirt road that wound a mile from the nearest country road and a half hour drive to the neare

town that only showed up on certain maps. In 1956 the school was moved to this property at the base of Hawk Mountain.

Longtime CAP member Ed Gibbons recalls the early days at the Hawk Mountain property where sixty acres of woodland, marsh, and

swamp would be transformed into a parade field, parking lot, training area, obstacle course, and camping areas. "When I was there as a c

there was absolutely nothing there. No chapel, trailers, obstacle course, or buildings that you see today. They came in with pick up trucks

hand shovels, and even dynamite to clear the trees".In 1974 Brig. General Westberg, the national Commander, attended the Hawk Mountain Ranger School, earning the proficiency of Ran

First Class. General Westberg tasked national headquarters staff to recognize and link together various related schools across the United

States. Throughout the 1970's there were National Ranger Schools held at Hawk Mountain, PA; the Everglades, FL; Black River Mississi

Washington Wing Challenger School, and Puerto Rico.

In 1996, the Hawk Mountain Summer Ranger School became a national cadet special activity. Brig. General Richard Anderson, CAP f

mer National Commander, visited that year and recognized the programs lasting contributions. Many members often recall how the progr

helped to serve them in other areas of their life.

Ed Gibbons, LTC US Army, served 27 years in active duty, His experiences started as a cadet in CAP and moved on to ROTC, Special

Operations, joint operations officer, and working in reconnaissance. "I chose to join the Army and the Special Forces and served in the

Vietnam War. What I learned at Hawk Mountain helped to carry me through those experiences. The program influenced my life, in that it

the first time you realize that what you do affects whether others will live or die. You learned to put your own comforts second.

The school not only focuses on search and rescue, but has a medic training squadron as well. Ralph Jones was an early student of the m

ical program. He is currently a Captain in the US Navy; a surgeon at Bethesda Naval Hospital; and 3rd in command of the USS Comfort

"The ranger program and CAP firmed my interest in the military as a lifestyle. There is nothing that can replace my experience in CAP a

test for my future in the military. Nothing in high school or college came close in preparing me for my life like my experience at Hawk.

Maybe that is why I have such close ties with the Mountain with occasional hiatus, but I always gravitate back."

THE RANGER STAFF PROGRAM

In the 1960's, as the program expanded it became evident that there was a need for quality, consistent training of cadet leaders for the p

gram.

Today's staff cadet training program consists of a series of eight weekends which run in the spring each year. Each prospective staff me

begins their training cycle with an emphasis on small unit leadership. While the lessons are the same as the overall cadet program, the int

ty of the training matches the intensity of the school. Staff candidates must also have the field skills to take care of themselves and to tuto

their students.

Second year staff cadet Kara Smith represents the current generation. "Being a Ranger is about realizing you have no limits, realizing w

you are and what you have the potential to become. It's about learning to do every little thing as a team, even when you don't like part of team. The second you stop your car and step out you can smell the history, the generations of Rangers who have walked on that parade

ground before you."

Throughout the training cycle, cadets are trained in several areas of emergency services, search and rescue, and leadership. Successful c

pletion of the training cycle and qualification requirements will earn the first year staff candidate the "yellow scarf". These first year cand

dates typically fill the positions of Team Commanders (similar to flight commander) for the school.

Cadets then return for the second year of staff training, where they further develop their leadership and SAR skills. With successful com

pletion of the requirements the "orange scarf" is awarded, making them a full fledged ranger staff member.

Julian Rivera recalls his days as a staff cadet; "I ate, slept, and breathed the program. It was incredible to be surrounded by peers that sh

the same desires, thoughts, and dreams. Everyone wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves. The program really provided testing ground for me to find my leadership style."

Alex and Ian Hanna came to Hawk as students, and went on to serve as staff cadets. They put their skills and training to use. Alex is a

uate of the USAF Academy, and is currently in pilot training with the USAF. Ian is a student at the US Coast Guard Academy.

HAWK MOUNTAIN RANGER PROGRAM


12/12

PA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL JOINS

MARYLAND IN SEARCH

FOR MISSING PILOT(Cover photos; CAP Members and Aircraft Used in Search)

PENNSYLVANIA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL

US AIR FORCE AUXILIARY

1LT LINDAA. IRWIN, EDITOR

BLDG. 3-108, FORT INDIANTOWN GAP

ANNVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17003

HDQ. 717-861-2335 FAX. 717-861-2164 EMAIL. [email protected]

Documents

Pennsylvania Wing - May 2006